Lincoln Students Union is working with the university to find a solution to the controversy around the planned graduation ceremonies set to take place next year.
Gemma Smart, Head of marketing and communications for the SU said: “We understand the frustration of students regarding this matter. We are taking into account all criticisms and feedback, including the recently-published petition, and are working directly with the University to come up with a solution.” She refused to comment further.
A petition to force the university to change its plans for virtual and in-person ceremonies in April 2022 has now topped 7,400 signatures.
The petition, created by Business & Marketing graduates Harry Badman and Elise Fischer, highlighted the unrest amongst 2020 and 2021 final year students about the announcement made earlier this week.
Harry says the graduation should be held in person to allow students to celebrate their academic achievements properly, instead of alone from their bedroom.
“What we’re looking to achieve, first of all, is getting some answers,” Harry said. “The university has done an extremely poor job of actually communicating with students of what the decision process has been. There has been no communication for at least 4 or 5 months.”
Similarly, Elise Fischer, also voiced her concerns that graduation ceremonies fall behind the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
“Restrictions are lifted in June,” says Elise, “So, the University have actually placed themselves so far behind regulations. It doesn’t make sense that they’re saying April next year is the earliest graduations can take place.”
The Students Union posted a statement on their website on Monday, stating “The University’s offering of a virtual Graduation ceremony this year and an in-person event in April 2022, which will be ticketed on a first-come, first-served basis, is not supported by the Students’ Union.”